Do You Know Nutrition?: Diet can bring on candida

By Phylis Canion
July 31, 2012 at 2:31 a.m.

Is there a reliable, simple home test to determine if someone has candida? Anything you can share on candida including causes, symptoms and diet, I am sure many others, not just myself, would appreciate, since I recently read that more than 85 percent of the American population may have candida.

Candida albicans, is one of many types of fungi that live and grow inside most human bodies according to James Balch, M.D.

Normally, candida causes no harm since our bodies are equipped with probiotic, or friendly bacteria, and immune cells that keep it under control. However, some medications, high sugar diets, a depressed immune system, allergies, stress and other factors can all attribute to the death of friendly bacteria, leaving candida free to grow unchecked in parts, or in some cases, in all of the body. This overgrowth of bacteria is known as candidiasis; however, it is also referred to as thrush or yeast infection. Symptoms can include the following, which are the most common: persistent fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle pain, arthritis, headaches, cough, depression, anxiety, chronic skin rashes, allergies, poor memory and poor concentration.

A diet that consists of fresh vegetables, gluten-free grains, beans, live or active yogurts, lentils and lean protein, along with plenty of water can be very beneficial. It is best to avoid foods with mold, foods high in refined sugars, caffeine and yeast. It is also best to avoid or reduce fruit juices and fruit intake.

Now, to answer your initial question. Overgrowth of candida begins in the colon and with time, migrates up through the digestive tract and ends up in the mouth. There is a simple home test that has been around for many years.

Upon arising in the morning, before you put anything in your mouth, take a clear glass, fill it with water and spit into the water. Healthy saliva will float on the top. If the saliva strings, specks and/or clouds, and sinks to the bottom, it contains yeast, which will sink, because it is heavier than water and could be the cause of some of the symptoms listed above.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: There are only two ways to handle tense situations; you can change them, or you can change the way you look at them.

NOTE: Call 361-576-2100, to sign up for the next free nutrition class, Aug. 13, at Organic Emporium.

Phylis B. Canion is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and is a certified nutritional consultant; email her at doc.phyl@yahoo.com. This column is for nutritional information only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure.